Program Resources

Kinesiology at Penn State Altoona

Penn State Altoona offers the first two years of coursework for several degrees in kinesiology that must be completed at University Park. The information found on this site will offer a combination of courses that you can take at our campus location as well as information on what courses you will need to complete at University Park in order to earn your degree. The Department of Kinesiology offers bachelor of science degrees in Kinesiology (KINES) Movement Science and in Athletic Training (ATHTR). Kinesiology offers a comprehensive program in the study of human movement to help students prepare for professions involving physical activity and for graduate study in related areas.

The Department of Kinesiology will be closing the Physical Health Education Teacher Education (PHETE) Option effective summer 2015. Students who are interested in PHETE must meet minimum criteria of 27.1 credits and 2.0 cumulative GPA by May 8, 2015 in order to qualify conditionally for entrance into Kinesiology/PHETE Option prior to its closing. For further clarification or questions, please contact Frank Zaffino at fez100@psu.edu.

Biography:My research agenda includes two specific tracks: one in the philosophy of sport and one in the history of sport. In the sport philosophy discipline, and often using the works of Michael Polanyi, I investigate cognition in motor behavior—the differences between “knowing how” (practical knowledge) and “knowing that” (prepositional knowledge). I also examine endurance sport through a pragmatic, experiential lens often using the works of William James and John Dewey. Two other smaller interests in sport philosophy have netted significant publications—specifically sport and spirituality and the nature of the discipline of Sport Philosophy. My other major research interest is in the sport history discipline. Using the Adirondack Park in New York State as a case study, I focus on the historical interaction of environmental law and policy, local recreational development, and international sport. I also study the history of the NFL Super Bowl.